Rwanda: General census begins today

The 4th national general population and housing census started today, August 16, and will conclude on August 30. Its aims are to improve knowledge on the social, demographic and economic characteristics of the population of Rwanda as well as establish how fast the population is growing.

The Director General of Institute of National Statistics Yussuf Murangwa enumerated the President of the Republic household this morning as other individuals are collecting data house to house across the country. While addressing media, Mr Murangwa said it is compulsory that every Rwandan be enumerated and the President was the role model. He said that the census allows for evidence based planning and programming and it is one of the main statistical tools worldwide.

“The census is conducted every ten years to holistically assess the well-being of Rwanda’s population. Based on its outcome, programs are set to address issues that have become evident and that impact the living condition of the people. Most importantly, this census will help us in poverty mapping in knowing exactly which areas a very poor compared to others.”.

This census covers a wide range of issues from population age to education at all levels, health insurance, residential arrangements, permanent or temporary, people living with disability, maternal mortality, fertility rate, employment, household living condition, access to water, urbanization, what households own like mobile phones, radio, televisions and others.

The preliminary results will be available by December 2012 whereas definitive comprehensive report is expected by December 2013.

The previous census took place in 2002 and population of about 8,128,553 was recorded, while in 1992 it was 7,148,496 in 1992 compared to 4,831,527 in 1978. The National Institute of Statistics population projections put the current population around 11,033,141.

This year’s Census is established by the Presidential Decree No. 02/01 of 28/02/2011 organizing the 4th General Population and Housing Census.